Fitness Is Fun

Greetings from the office of the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program! You have received the January 2004 issue of Fitnessisfun, the official e-mail distribution of the President's Challenge. These monthly e-mails will keep you updated on our program, activities of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) and other current information pertaining to fitness.

Wheaties to Sponsor National Champion Program
To recognize schools for achieving outstanding levels with their physical fitness programs, Wheaties is sponsoring the Wheaties National Champion Program. This program is open to all of the President's Challenge Physical Fitness State Champion Award winning schools for the 2002-2003 school year. The winners were announced on October 1, 2003. A complete list of these schools can be found at http://www.presidentschallenge.org. These schools will receive entry kits that outline how to enter the program. Each of the three winning schools will receive $5,000 grants for their physical education department. Wheaties has committed to repeating the program with the 2003-2004 State Champions, which is all the more reason to enter your school in the State Champion program this year.

The Fit Employee
The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) has designated May 17th as National Employee Health and Fitness Day, in an attempt to increase physical activity and awareness within the work place. The ultimate goal, according to Cindy Porteous, executive director of NAHF, is to encourage individuals in and around the office to exercise 30 minutes per day, three days a week. Bally Total Fitness is doing their part to achieve this goal. Employees can work out for free at Bally Fitness centers, without membership, simply by providing proof of employment. Porteous encourages other offices to get involved, but stresses the importance of having fun when exercising and designing a program that is conducive to the employee's abilities and interests. Ms. Porteous also suggests ideas to help promote activity in the office. She recommends asking your supervisors to be flexible regarding work hours so that employees can exercise before, during or after work or creating an incentive program for employees who do exercise regularly. These suggestions will provide flexibility for employees as well as motivation to make exercise a regular part of the office environment. To read more about fitness in the workplace please visit:http://www.stopgettingsick.com/templates/news_template.cfm/4337

Special Report: Trans Fats
Top 10 Foods to Beware
Understanding Trans fats and where they are found can be very confusing. Cindy Moore, MS, RD, director of nutrition therapy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, compiled this list of the top 10 "Trans Fat" foods to help educate consumers.

Early Fitness Pays Off, Study Finds
In a recent publication, The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that, "Participants with low fitness were three to six-fold more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension, and the metabolic syndrome (excess abdominal fat, elevated blood pressure and triglycerides and low levels of so-called 'good' cholesterol) than participants with high fitness." The conclusion of this study points to the fact that all individuals can help protect themselves from cardiac risk factors by maintaining their physical fitness. More about the findings of this study can be found at http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/diet.fitness/12/17/early.fitness.reut/index.html The Abstract of this study is also located at: http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/290/23/3092?etoc

Simple Choices Can Boost Nutrition In 2004
There are some simple food choices that are easily overlooked in the normal diet, such as whole-wheat products, salmon, beans, and sweet potatoes. These foods can also contribute to improved health in the long run. Whole-wheat pasta is high in fiber, which increases gastrointestinal health, contributes to a lower risk of heart disease, and reduces complications linked to diabetes. Whole-wheat pretzels, tortillas, and crackers are other good choices. Salmon is a top food because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart attacks and lower blood cholesterol, with less saturated fat compared to other meats. For the vegetable group, sweet potatoes are known as one of the most nutritious vegetables. They are rich in beta-carotene, which helps maintain vision, bones, tooth development, skin, and hair. For more information on these healthy food choices please visit http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/diet.fitness/01/01/foods.2004/index.html

The Latest Participant Numbers From The President's Challenge
Currently, 40,977 individuals have registered for The President's Challenge. The Active Lifestyle Program is the most popular option, with the new Champions Program gaining popularity. The most popular activities are running, walking, bicycling, weight training, and swimming, respectfully. Thank you for your participation and input, which has made these programs a success. Congratulations to all that have achieved awards, good luck to those who are close to reaching their goals, and remember to log your activity!

Special Thanks
We would like to send a special thanks to all of the President's Challenge Advocates. Please visit the Advocates area on the www.presidentschallenge.org website to see how companies, organizations and diverse groups are making a difference with the President's Challenge.

FEEDBACK
We would love to hear from you. If you have any topics that you would like to see addressed in fitnessisfun or any comments on this list please let us know. You can provide them by emailing us at preschal@indiana.edu

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